MANILA, Philippines — Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon, collectively known as TVJ, and the Dabarkads finally sang the theme song of "Eat Bulaga" while wearing t-shirts that bear the name in today's episode of their noontime show on TV5.
"Magandang tanghali, mga legit Dabarkads. Napaka-halaga po sa amin at sa ating lahat ang araw na ito," Tito greeted the live studio audience, TV viewers and streamers on their YouTube channel in today's episode. The LED screen in the background noticeably bears the word "EAT... Bulaga."
He thanked the people stuck with their group since last May 2023 when they decided to part ways with Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE) and started their own show called "EAT" in July on TV5. This includes their fellow Dabarkads, namely, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Ryan Agoncillo, Paolo Ballesteros, Allan K, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Miles Ocampo, Carren Eistrup and Maine Mendoza. Also present in today's episode is the latest co-host, Atasha Muhlach.
The former Senate president also re-read the decision by the Marikina Regional Trial Court Branch 273 dated December 22, 2023, regarding their case on unfair competition and copyright infringement against TAPE Inc. and GMA Network.
"The counterclaims of defendants TAPE and GMA are hereby dismissed for lack of merit.
"So sa ilalim po ng 2020 revised rules of procedure for intellectual property rights cases, 'any order issued by the court is immediately executory.' Ibig sabihin po, agaran ang pagpapatupad nito," Tito explained.
His brother and fellow host, Vic, agreed and reiterated that they have won the case.
"Ibig sabihin din po niyan, eh, nanalo po tayo. Tayo po ay sumunod sa batas at kumapit sa katotohanan. Isa lang po ang sinasabi ng batas pati ng mga manonood. Isa lang ang pwedeng tawaging 'Eat Bulaga.' Isa lang ang pwedeng tawaging 'Eat Bulaga' at 'yun ay ang 'Eat Bulaga' dito sa TV5," Vic said.
Vic said that the issue was not just a about the title or name, but it was a fight for the show that they and their audience loved throughout the years since it began airing in 1979.
"Panalo nating lahat ito. Let's all move forward para sa mas masaya at mas makabuluhang 'Eat Bulaga,'" he added.
Joey noted how they have come full circle when they found themselves back to where "Eat Bulaga" first aired on Channel 9, which was then known as RPN9 and now goes by CNN Philippines.
Beginning today and every Saturday, the show will also be seen on CNN Philippines.
"Basta eto ang totoo. Eto ang tinadhana. Eto ang tunay na 'Eat Bulaga,'" said Vic.
TVJ and the rest of the Dabarkads then sang the theme song with the complete lyrics.
TAPE said that it is seeking to appeal the court ruling in a statement released to GMA News.
RELATED: Marikina court recognizes TVJ as originators of 'Eat Bulaga' over TAPE